Georgia State Board of Funeral Service Practice Exam

Which of the following is a non-allowable item under VA Death Benefits?

1. Casket

2. Funeral services

3. Sales tax

4. Renderings of services

The correct answer is: Sales tax

The correct choice identifies "Sales tax" as a non-allowable item under VA Death Benefits. When it comes to funeral expenses covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, certain costs can be reimbursed, while others cannot. Sales tax is typically an expense that is not directly reimbursed under these benefits. Funeral costs that are usually allowable include caskets, basic funeral services, and related expenses associated with rendering services. These are essential components of a funeral that the VA recognizes as necessary for honoring the deceased veteran. In contrast, sales tax on these items is often viewed as a transaction fee rather than a cost essential to the funeral itself, thereby making it ineligible for coverage under VA Death Benefits. This distinction helps ensure that the benefits provided can be effectively allocated to the most critical aspects of funeral services.